Firstly, don't be put of by the button, it's really not that hard to use.
Yes, I have tried playing a slide less Tombo S50 chromatic, (note I say tried), I couldn't get on with it.
I only started playing when I retired at 65, (5 years ago), & we have some more senior to me, just starting out on the chromatic forum that I belong to, maybe take a look at who is learning to play on there -
https://www.slidemeister.com/forums/index.phpTo get a feel for chromatic, you could start with a valveless 10 or 12 hole, they are cheaper than the regular valved, & may well be all you need.
(Kmise, Swan, or Easttop are the better ones.)
Else start with a lower priced valved chromatic, such as a Seydel Deluxe, very good for the money.